Portable sunshade

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a portable sunshade comprising a mast structure extending in a generally vertically direction, means for attaching the mast structure at its lower end to a support structure, a boom extending outwardly from the mast structure, having first and second ends, the first end being movably attached to the mast structure, a hub assembly attached to the second end of the boom, a plurality of elongated support ribs extending radially from the hub assembly, each of said support ribs, having one end rotatably attached to the hub assembly, a canopy positioned over the elongated support ribs and fastened thereto, the canopy having an opening in it corresponding to a predetermined position along the boom, and a boom support strut pivotably attached at one end to the upper end of the mast structure, and at the other end pivotably secured to boom at a predetermined position along the length of it, the boom support strut extending through the opening in the canopy at the point where it is connected to the boom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to an umbrella like sunshade. Moreparticularly, it relates to a lightweight portable sunshade that can bemoved around to various locations with relative ease.

[0003] 2. Relevant Art

[0004] Sunshades are known in the art. Most sunshades, at least or thelarge variety, are relatively stationary, and require a heavy base tosupport the umbrella like cover or canopy that most of themconventionally use. Sunshades are used around pools, at the beach andelsewhere in tropical countries, in particular, to block out the rays ofthe sun during the heat of the day.

[0005] A typical sunshade comprises a large cover or canopy, supportedby a frame consisting of movable struts or ribs, connected to a boomwhich can be tilted at various angles around a stationary support orpole. The pole is typically mounted in a heavy cement block at its lowerend or base, so that in high winds the sunshade does not tip over andinjure those who may be sitting under it. Thus, up until now, a largesunshade has been, out of necessity, more or less stationary.

[0006] There is a need, however, for large portable sunshades, which canbe moved around with ease. Campers, and travel trailer owners, inparticular, would like to have a sunshade which can be moved around, setup and torn down, without a lot of hassle. Camping in the desert is apopular pastime in the West, and sunshades are definitely useful in thedesert where there is little if any shade.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of this invention to provide a lightweightportable sunshade, which can be folded up and moved around with aminimum of difficulty.

[0008] It is a further object of this invention to provide a sunshadethat can be tilted and rotated at various angles, to block out the sun,and which does not require a large stationary base to support it.

[0009] Other objects of the invention will be realized by reference tothe description below.

[0010] In accordance with the above objects and those that will bementioned and will become apparent below, the portable sunshade inaccordance with this invention comprises:

[0011] a mast structure extending in a generally vertical direction,means for attaching said mast structure at its lower end to a supportstructure,

[0012] a boom extending outwardly from said mast structure, having firstand second ends, said first end being movably attached to said maststructure,

[0013] a hub assembly attached to said second end of said boom,

[0014] a plurality of elongated support ribs extending radially fromsaid hub assembly, each of said support ribs having one end rotatablyattached to said hub assembly,

[0015] a canopy positioned over said plurality of elongated support ribsand fastened thereto, said canopy having an opening in it correspondingto a predetermined position along said boom, and

[0016] a boom support strut pivotably attached at on end to the upperend of said mast structure,

[0017] and at the other end pivotably secured to said boom at apredetermined position along the length of it, the boom support strutextending through said opening in said canopy at the point where it isconnected to said boom.

[0018] The present invention, in one embodiment, is a portable sunshadewhich comprises a base having a horizontally extending plate that aweight can to placed on to provide support for the upper portion of thesunshade, a mast extending vertically from the base, a movable boomextending outwardly from the mast connected to a hub at its outer end,support ribs radially extending from the hub situated at the outer endof the boom, a canopy overlying and connected to the support ribs, and aboom support strut extending from the top of the mast to the boom toprovide support for the hub and ribs, and the canopy spanning the ribs.

[0019] In another embodiment, the sunshade of the invention is adaptedto be used in connection with a utility rack or other extension which isconventionally found attached to the rear of a vehicle such as an SUV, atruck, or automobile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0020]FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the sunshade of theinvention, showing the underside of the canopy and supporting ribs forthe canopy connected to a hub.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a side view, with parts shown in phantom, and partsbroken away, of one embodiment of the sunshade of the invention.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a view of the top surface of the canopy of the sunshadeof the invention illustrating the relationship between the supportstructure and the canopy when in extended position.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of the sunshade of theinvention showing it in folded position.

[0024]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the mechanism for connecting theboom support strut to the top of the main mast.

[0025]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the hub mechanism of the sunshade ofthe invention.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the clamping mechanism forpositioning the boom on the main mast.

[0027]FIG. 8 is a perspective view, with parts broken away, showing themeans for connecting the boom support strut to the boom.

[0028]FIG. 9 is a perspective view or portions of the hub mechanismshowing the relationship of the hub mechanism plates with the rotatablerib plugs placed there between.

[0029]FIG. 10 is a perspective view, with parts cut away, illustratingthe telescoping mechanism for the canopy support ribs.

[0030]FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the hub mechanism plates with ribplugs interposed there between.

[0031]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the base member of one embodimentof the invention.

[0032]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a foldable base of one embodimentof the invention.

[0033]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the foldable base of FIG. 13,partially folded.

[0034]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a base support for an alternativeembodiment of the invention.

[0035]FIG. 16 is an enlarged view showing the means of connecting thesupport mast to the base member of an alternative embodiment of theinvention.

[0036]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the clamping means for connectingone embodiment of the sunshade of the invention to a utility rack orother attachment to a vehicle, and also showing the means of attachingit to a trailer hitch or towing receiver.

[0037]FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view through line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

[0038]FIG. 19 is a cut away view of the mast structure of the sunshadeof the invention showing the means for securing the lower mast to autility rack or other device attached to the towing receiver on rear endof a SUV, truck or other vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, as best seen in FIGS. 1-3,and 12, the portable sunshade of this invention 10 comprises a basemember 12 consisting of a horizontal support frame, or plate 14 uponwhich is fixed a vertically extending tubular column 16. The tubularcolumn 16 has a bolt 18 (FIG. 12) extending transversely through it adistance from the horizontal base plate 14.

[0040] The horizontal support frame or plate 14 can be of any reasonablelength and width, but should be of sufficient length and width so thatthe wheels of a car or truck, or other vehicle can rest on it, withoutthe vertical components of the sunshade scraping the sides of thevehicle. Generally, therefore, the plate 14 should be from 2 to 3 feetin length. The preferred length is about 3 feet. The width is preferablyabout 20 inches.

[0041] The support frame 14 should be sufficiently strong to withstandthe weight of an auto, truck, or trailer, which is used to providestability for the sunshade unit.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the plate 14 is slipped under theedge of a hot tub, and the hot tub provides the necessary weight toprevent the sunshade from tipping over.

[0043] The support frame or horizontal plate 14 can be made of anymaterial such as iron, steel, or aluminum, but should be sufficientlysturdy that it will not bend when the wheel of an auto, truck or othervehicle is resting on top of it, yet light enough so that it can betransported with relative ease. An iron or steel plate, at least ¼ inchthick, has been found to be sufficient for the purpose.

[0044] The column 16 can also be fabricated of iron, steel, or aluminum,but it too, should be sufficiently sturdy so as not to break or bend dueto the weight of or forces brought to bear by the rest of the sunshade.Preferably, the tubular column 16 is made of stainless steel, is 3inches in external diameter, and 2¾ inches in internal diameter. Thecolumn 16 is preferably welded to the support frame or horizontal plate14, but it can be affixed in any other suitable manner, such as bolting.

[0045] A lower mast 20 is telescopically mounted on the tubular column16. The mast 20 fits within the tubular column 16, and is slideable inrelation thereto for height adjustment. The external diameter of themast 20 is slightly less than the internal diameter of the tubularcolumn 16 so that the lower end of the mast 20 securely fits into and isslideable within the column 16.

[0046] An upper or main mast 22 is telescopically fitted over the mast20. The internal diameter of the main mast 22 is slightly larger thanthe external diameter of the mast 20 so that the main mast 22 can slideup and down on mast 20 as adjustments are made in its height.

[0047] Preferably, the external diameter of the mast 20 is 2¾ inches,while the internal diameter of the main mast 22 is about 3 inches.

[0048] The mast 20 and main mast 22 can be made of any suitable materialsuch as iron, steel, plastic composite materials, or aluminum, butaluminum is preferred because of its lighter weight and durability.

[0049] As seen in FIGS. 3, 17 and 18, a clamp 154 is used to fix theposition of the main mast 22 on the lower mast 20. The operation of theclamp is explained in more detail, infra.

[0050] A hollow tubular boom 24 is movably and rotatably attached to themain mast 22 and extends outward therefrom. As best seen in FIG. 7, theboom 24 is attached at its near end to the main mast 22 by means of asliding mast clamp or collar 26 that fits around the main mast 22. Themast clamp 26 is a unitary machined or molded piece, and consists ofopposing plates 28 and 30, each of which is shaped, in its innersurface, to conform to the outer surface of the main mast 22. The plates28 and 30 are connected together by a web 31 at one end, and spacedapart from each other at the other end by a slit. Each of the plates 28and 30 has ear extensions 32 and 34, that project horizontally away fromthe main mast 22. The plates 28 and 30 each have holes 36 in them, whichalign when the plates are positioned opposite each other around the mainmast 22. Compression bolts 37 are positioned in each of the holes 36,extending through both plates 28 and 30, from opposite directions.

[0051] The ears 32 and 34 also have holes 38 in them that align when theplates 28 and 30 are opposite each other surrounding the main mast 22.

[0052] The opposing plates 28 and 30 are tightened around the main mast22 by compression nut knob handles 40, which are threaded around theprojecting ends of the compression bolts 37. The plates 28 and 30 aredrawn toward each other as the knobs 40 are tightened.

[0053] The sliding mast clamp 26's position on the main mast 22 can thusbe adjusted by moving it up or down on the mast 22 and tightening thecompression bolts 37 with the knobs 40 when the desired position isachieved.

[0054] The boom 24 is pivotably affixed to the clamp mechanism 26 byplacing the near end of it between a collar 96 comprising opposingplates 98, and 100. The collar 96 fits between the opposing ears 32 and34 of the plates 28 and 30. The opposing plates 98 and 100 of the collar96 are drawn together by opposed compression bolts 43 threaded throughthe plates with compression bolt tightening knobs 44 positioned at theends thereof. The inside surfaces of the plates 98 and 100 are shaped sothat each conforms to the shape of ½ the surface of the boom 24.

[0055] The boom 24 is placed between the opposing plates 98 and 100 andis secured to the collar 96 by means of an eye bolt 45 secured at oneend to the collar 96, and at the other end by a bolt (not shown) whichextends through a hole 47 in the boom 24, and the eye 49 of the eyebolt45 that projects into the cavity of the boom 24.

[0056] A bolt 42 extending through the holes 38 and through the collar96, secures the collar 96 in place, and thus allows the boom 24 to pivotabout the main mast 22 in a vertical direction. A nut 46 secures thebolt 42. The collar 96 is thus rotatably fixed between the opposing ears32 and 34 of the collar mechanism 26.

[0057] Thus the boom 24 is rotatable around a horizontal axis, andpivotable with respect to the main mast 22 in a vertical direction.

[0058] The boom 24 can be rotated about its axis by loosing the knobs 44on the compression bolts 43. After the boom 24 is rotated to the desireddegree, the knobs 44 are tightened again, fixing the boom 24 in its newposition.

[0059] As best seen in FIGS. 6, 9, and 11, a hub mechanism 48 isattached to the boom 24 at its far end. The mechanism 48 consists of twoopposing triangular shaped angled plates 50 and 52, each having aplurality of holes 54. Each of the plates 50 and 52 are bent at an angleat a point approximately ⅓ distance from the apex, at that apex where isboom 24 is fastened. The angle is approximately 15 degrees. The holes 54in the plate 50 are aligned with the holes in the plate 52, when theplates 50 and 52 are aligned with each other. The plates 50 and 52 areseparated, or spaced apart by a plurality of rotating rib plugs 56, eachof which has a bore 58 extending through it in a vertical direction. Asseen in FIG. 9, each rib plug 56 has a cylindrical projection 60extending outwardly from the side thereof. The projections 60 serve toreceive the near end of cylindrical canopy support ribs 62 that extendradially outwardly from the hub mechanism 48. The cylindrical supportingribs 62 are tubular, and the near end of each rib 62 fits over thecorresponding projection 60 and is secured in a fixed, but not attachedposition. Thus, the supporting ribs 62 are movable to some extent withregard to the projections 60.

[0060] Rib 62 a is connected to its respective rib plug projection 60 bya bungee cord 61.

[0061] As seen best in FIG. 10, the ribs 62 are telescoping ribs, andhave an inner rib section 63 which telescopes within the rib 62, andwhich can be extended and fixed at a desired position by spring loadedbuttons 65 affixed to the rib sections 63, which pop out of holes (notshown) in the rib 62.

[0062] The plates 50 and 52 are secured to each other by means of bolts64, which extend through the holes 54 in each plate 50 and 52, andthrough the bores 58 in the rotating rib plugs 56. The bolts 64 aresecured by nuts (not shown). Thus the rib plugs 56 are secured betweenthe plates 50 and 52, but are free to rotate about a vertical axis.

[0063] As seen in FIGS. 6, and 11, the boom 24 is also fixed between theplates 50 and 52 by holes 66 drilled through the far end thereof,through which bolts 64 are threaded.

[0064] A boom support strut 68 is pivotably connected at its near end tothe main mast 22, and pivotably connected at its far end to the boom 24,at a point which is intermediate the point of attachment of the boom 24to the main mast 22, and the hub mechanism 48. Preferably, the supportstrut 68 is attached to the boom 24 at a point at least half of thelength thereof.

[0065] As seen in FIG. 5, the support strut 68 is pivotably connected tothe main mast 22, by means of a rotating strut collar 70 having extendedears 72, which fits around the main mast 22. Each ear 72 has a hole 74drilled in it. The near end of the strut 68 is placed between the ears72 of the collar 70, and a bolt 76 threaded through the ears, andthrough holes 78 in the end of the strut 68. A saddle 79 is positionedon each side of the support strut 68; intermediate it and the ears 72,to provide lateral support.

[0066] Thus the strut 68 is pivotable in a vertical direction about ahorizontal axis.

[0067] The collar 70 is secured to the top of the main mast 22 by meansof a rotating cap flange 80 through which an eyebolt 82 is threaded. Theeye of the eyebolt 82 is held in place at the top of the main mast 22 bya bolt 84 which extends through holes in the mast 20, through the eye ofthe eye bolt 82, and is secured by a nut 86.

[0068] As seen in FIG. 8, the far end of the boom support strut 68 ispivotably secured to the boom 24 by a rotating boom collar 88 which hasears 90 which extend from each side thereof. The ears 90 have holesdrilled in them, as does the end of the strut 68 (not shown). A bolt andnut combination 92 extending through the holes in the ears, and thestrut 68, pivotably secures the strut 68 to the boom 24.

[0069] Bolts secured by nuts 94 placed through holes (not shown) in theboom 24 on each side of the collar 88 hold the collar 88 in place on theboom 24. Thus the collar 88 is free to rotate around the boom 24.

[0070] A canopy 102 spans the support ribs 62, which, when extended,extend radially from the hub mechanism 48. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,the canopy 102 is rectangular in shape, but the shape is not critical.That is, it can be round, oval, square, rectangular, etc. The ribs 62can be adjusted to accommodate any shape of canopy. It can be made outof any suitable material, although waterproof canvas is preferred. Thecanopy 102 has a slot 104 cut in it through which the boom support strut68 passes from its point of connection to the mast 22, to the point ofconnection on the boom 24.

[0071] Pockets 106 are sewn into the underside of the canopy 102, andare adapted to receive the far ends 63 of the support ribs 62, afterthey are radially extended from the hub mechanism 48. The pockets 106are formed of a piece of fabric, which is sewn to the underside of thecanopy 102.

[0072] Thus, the ribs 62 are secured to the hub mechanism 48 at theirnear ends and to the canopy 102 by the pocket enclosures 106 at theirfar ends.

[0073] The canopy 102 of the sunshade can be raised or lowered, and itsangle in relation to the sun changed, by raising or lowering the slidingmast clamp 26 attached to the main mast 22, and by pivoting and/orrotating the boom 24. As seen in FIG. 4, when the clamp 26 is lowered tothe lowest point on the mast 22, the portable sunshade folds itself up,and is easily transportable. The relational aspect of the movable ribs62 to the boom 24 enable the ribs 62 to be rotated so that they arealigned in parallel to each other and to the boom 24, thus permitting toentire canopy to be folded into a compact package.

[0074] When folding the sunshade up, it is necessary to disengage thatrib 62 a connected to the rib plug 56 situated opposite the apex of thetriangular plates 50 and 52 to which the boom 24 is connected, in orderto align it with the rest of the ribs folded in parallel to the boom 24.Disengaging the rib can do this, yet having it still connected to thehub by means of the bungee cord 61.

[0075] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 13, and 14.As shown, the base member 108, which serves the same function as basemember 12 in FIG. 3, comprises a plurality of radially extendingelongated rails 110 which are pivotably connected to a collar 112surrounding the base of the tubular post or column 114. The rails 110have outwardly extending flanges 180 running along their lower sides.The collar 112 is fixed to the lower end of the column 114. Yet anothercollar 116 is slideably positioned on the column 114 and is moveable upand down in relation thereto.

[0076] A plurality of support struts 118 are pivotably connected to thecollar 116 at one end, and pivotably connected to the rails 110 at apoint intermediate the connection of the rails 110 to the collar 112surrounding the column 118, and the outer end of the rails 110. Thestruts 118 thus serve to provide support to and stabilize the column 114in a vertical position.

[0077] The upper collar 116 can be moved up and down in relation to thecolumn 114. When it is moved upward, as seen in FIG. 14, the rails 110are folded inward in the manner shown, so that the entire structure canthen be compactly folded and transported.

[0078] The collar 116 is fixed in position by a cotter pin (not shown)which is placed through holes in the column at a point above the normalposition of the collar 116 on the column 114, when the rails 110 are inextended position, as in FIG. 13.

[0079] Cement patio blocks 182 can be lain between the extended rails110 with one edge overlying the flanges 180 to provide additionalstabilizing weight.

[0080] The rails 110 can also be fixed to the ground at their ends bypassing ground pins or stakes 184 through holes (not shown) in the endsof the rails, thence into the ground.

[0081] A further embodiment of the base support member is shown In FIG.15. In this embodiment, a U-shaped base support frame 120 is attached tothe lower end of a tubular vertical column 122 by a bolt 124 whichextends through the support 122, through spacers 126 separating thesupport from the column 122, and through the column 122. The basesupport frame 120 is rotatable around the horizontal axis of the bolt124. A slideable collar 126 is attached to the column 122 a shortdistance from its lower end.

[0082] The collar 126 surrounds column 122, and has ears 128, whichextend outward on each side, each with a hole in it, not shown.Tightening knobs 130 connected to compressions bolts (not shown) whichare placed in the ears 128, is used to bring the ears 128 intoapproximation around the column 122, securing it in place. A pair ofsupport struts 132 connect the collar 126 to the base member 120. Theyare pivotably connected with respect to each. The support struts 132 areconnected to the individual legs of the base member frame 120 by bolts134, which extend through the leg, and through the struts 132. Thestruts 132 are pivotable around the bolt 134. A cotter pin 138 extendingthrough holes in the column 122 and holes 186 in the collar 126 preventthe collar 126 from moving upward as pressure is placed on it by theweight of the sunshade. The cotter pin 138 is held in place by anelastic tie 140 (see FIG. 16).

[0083] The base support member 120 can be folded up against the column122 by removing the cotter pin 138, loosening the collar 126, andallowing the collar 126 to move to a higher position on the column 122.

[0084] The base support member 120 should be sufficiently strong so asto support the weight of an automobile or other vehicle when its wheelsare resting on the frame.

[0085] In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 17-19,the sunshade is adapted for connection to a utility rack which isnormally connected to the back of a SUV, or other motor vehicle, througha towing receiver or trailer hitch. As seen in FIG. 17, a utility rack142 is attached to the back of a motor vehicle (not shown) by means of ahitching mechanism 190, and is secured with a bolt 192. The utility rack142 has an upwardly projecting cylindrical column 144.

[0086] A clamp 146 is fitted around the upwardly projecting utility rackcolumn 144 and the lower end of telescoping vertical mast 20 of thesunshade 10. The clamp 146 comprises opposing blocks 148, 150, which areshaped on the inside so as to conform to the shape of the utility rackcolumn 144 and the sunshade mast 20, in parallel. The clamp 146 istightened around the column 144, and mast 20, by means of compressionbolt knobs 152, which are attached to compression bolts, which extendthrough holes in the blocks 148, 150.

[0087] A second clamp 154 connects the main mast 22 to the lower mast 20of the sunshade. The clamp 154 is substantially identical to others,which has been used, and comprises a block 156 having upper and lowerears on each side 158, 160, which project outwardly. The clamp 154 istightened around the masts 22 and 20 by means of compression screwsextending through opposing ears, and which are tightened by means of theknobs 162 affixed to the compression screws. As the knobs are tightenedaround the compression bolts, the ears are drawn closer to each otheraround the masts, and fixes the masts in position, thereby allowingtelescoping height adjustment of the shade.

[0088] As seen in FIG. 19, the sunshade mast 20 is also locked in placeby means of a lever 164, which axially rotates around a bolt 166extending through the clamp 146 and the lower mast 20. The lever 164 isattached to a rope 168 which extends up through the interior cavities ofthe lower mast 20 and main mast 22, over a pulley 170 mounted at theupper end of the upper mast 22, thence through a hole 174 in the mast22, to the outside.

[0089] The lower end of the lower mast 20 is notched 176, and thus fitsover a pin 178 extending through the clamp 146. When the lower mast 20is lowered into place in the clamp 146, the lever 164 engages the pin178, and the mast 20 is thus locked into position. The same lockingmechanism is used to lock the mast 20 to all types of base members.

[0090] When it is desired to remove the sunshade, the rope 168 is pulledfrom the outside; the lever 164 is rotated around the pin 166, anddisengages. The lower mast 20 and the balance of the sunshade can thenbe removed after the clamp 146 is loosened.

[0091] When the sunshade is taken on a camping trip, or is used inconnection with travel with a motor home, it is necessary to providestability to the base. This can be done by attaching the mast 20 to apreexisting support, as described above in connection with a utilitysupport carrier, or in an alternative embodiment, by placing a weight onthe horizontally extending support frame or plate 14. This can beaccomplished by positioning it underneath the wheels of an automobile,truck, or mobile home. This supplies more than enough weight tocounterbalance the weight of the canopy, main masts, supporting struts,ribs, etc.

[0092] The weight can also be supplied, as mentioned before, by placingthe plate 14 underneath the edge of a hot tub or Jacuzzi.

[0093] This invention thus encompasses the use of an automobile, truck,travel trailer or other vehicle to provide the counterbalancing weighton the support frame needed to stabilize the sunshade, and the use of ahot tub or Jacuzzi for the same purpose.

[0094] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications can be made in the sunshade of this invention, yet will bewithin the spirit and scope of the invention, being limited solely bythe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable sunshade comprising: a mast structureextending in a generally vertical direction, means for attaching saidmast structure at its lower end to a support structure, a boom extendingoutwardly from said mast structure, having first and second ends, saidfirst end being movably attached to said mast structure, a hub assemblyattached to said second end of said boom, a plurality of elongatedsupport ribs extending radially from said hub assembly, each of saidsupport ribs having one end rotatably attached to said hub assembly, acanopy positioned over said plurality of elongated support ribs andfastened thereto, said canopy having an opening in it corresponding to apredetermined position along said boom, and a boom support strutpivotably attached at on end to the upper end of said mast structure,and at the other end pivotably secured to said boom at a predeterminedposition along the length of it, the boom support strut extendingthrough said opening in said canopy at the point where it is connectedto said boom.
 2. The portable sunshade of claim 1, wherein said supportstructure comprises a base consisting of a vertically extending tubularcolumn to which is attached at its lower end a support frame extendinghorizontally from the point where said column is affixed to it.
 3. Theportable sunshade of claim 2, wherein said support frame supports theresting of the wheels of a vehicle.
 4. The portable sunshade of claim 2,wherein said support frame is stabilized by the edge of a hot tub orJacuzzi unit resting on it.
 5. The portable sunshade of claim 1, whereinthe means of pivotably connecting said boom support strut to said maststructure is a collar surrounding the mast structure having extendedears, said boom support strut being interposed between said ears andsecured thereto by means of a bolt extending through holes in said earsand through said strut.
 6. The portable sunshade of claim 1, whereinsaid canopy is secured to said support ribs by means of pockets aroundits periphery on the underside thereof enveloping the outer ends of saidsupport ribs.
 7. The portable sunshade of claim 1, wherein said hubcomprises a pair of opposing plates, each plate having a plurality ofholes therein, rib plugs corresponding to the number of support ribsseparating said plates, and bolts extending through said plates and saidrib plugs, securing said rib plugs between said plates, and allowingthem to rotate about vertical axes.
 8. The portable sunshade of claim 1,wherein each of said rib plugs has a projection from a side thereofadapted to serve as means for connecting one of said support ribs tosaid hub assembly.
 9. The portable sunshade of claim 1, wherein saidboom is affixed to said mast structure by means allowing said boom to bepositioned at any desired location along the length of said maststructure.
 10. The portable sunshade of claim 1, wherein said means forattaching said mast structure to said support structure is a clamp whichclamps both the support structure and the mast structure to each otherin a fixed relationship.
 11. The portable sunshade of claim 10, whereinsaid support structure is an extension attached to the back of a vehiclefor attaching items thereto.
 12. The portable sunshade of claim 11,wherein said extension has a vertically extending tubular component,and, wherein the mast structure of said sunshade and said tubularcomponent are clamped together in side by side relationship.
 13. Aportable sunshade comprising: a base having sufficient stability tomaintain said sunshade in a fixed position, a mast structure positionedon said base extending vertically therefrom, a boom extending outwardlyfrom said mast structure, having first and second ends, said first endbeing movably attached to said mast structure, a hub assembly attachedto said second end of said boom, a plurality of elongated support ribsradially extending from said hub assembly, each of said support ribshaving one end rotatably attached to said hub assembly, a canopypositioned over said plurality of elongated support ribs and fastenedthereto, said canopy having an opening in it corresponding to apredetermined position along said boom, and a boom support strutpivotably attached at on end to the upper end of said mast structure,and at the other end pivotably secured to said boom at a predeterminedposition along the length of it, the boom support strut extendingthrough said opening in said cover at the point where it is connected tosaid boom.